Relentless Zverev cruises past Humbert to Paris crown

Alexander Zverev was in no mood for a French fairytale on Sunday at the Rolex Paris Masters. The 27-year-old had his own story to write.

The No. 2 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings produced a near-flawless performance to defeat home hope Ugo Humbert 6-2, 6-2 in the championship match and claim his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title. Zverev was relentless in every department, but particularly behind his own serve, from which he dropped just five points, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

“I knew I had to play like this to win today,” said Zverev, who improved to 23-13 in tour-level finals. “Ugo is an incredible player, but here in Paris, he plays even better than he usually does and I knew that. Once the crowd gets involved, it’s going to be difficult. So, I had to take that away early, and I did, so I’m happy about that.

“It was not 100 per cent guaranteed that I would be back at this level after Roland Garros two years ago, when I basically broke everything possible in my ankle. So, to win this title here in Paris means the world to me, and I’m sure it means everything to those in my box, because they have done so much for me.”

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It’s 7⃣th Masters 1000 crown for @AlexZverev as he defeats Humbert 6-2 6-2!#RolexParisMasters | @RolexPMasters pic.twitter.com/wkd5tYKFFj

In the 39th and final edition of the tournament at the Accor Arena, before its relocation to La Défense Arena, Zverev became the second German to win in Paris after Boris Becker. It was Zverev’s second ATP Tour title of 2024 (Rome) and Tour-leading 66th triumph of the year (66-20), moving him ahead of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner (65-6).

ATP Masters 1000 titles

Humbert, who is now 6-2 in tour-level finals, was bidding to become the first Frenchman to claim the title in Paris since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2008. The 26-year-old, however, failed to gain a foothold in his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final.

“I’m extremely happy to have played in this final,” said Humbert, who is up to No. 14 in the PIF ATP Rankings with his run to the final. “To have my family and team with me the whole week has been incredible. It’s for moments like this why I do this every day, why I train.”

A dominant Performance by @AlexZverev ??

Zverev saved his best till last with a 9.46 #PerformanceRating in the final ?#TennisInsights | @atptour | @RolexPMasters pic.twitter.com/ExjEVaJWAz

It didn't take long for the fans to rise from their seats when Humbert fired a forehand winner to close the first game. However, Zverev dialled in to dismantle Humbert’s serve in the third game to silence the raucous French crowd. From there, Zverev pulled clear with some imperious serving and bludgeoning groundstrokes. 

Having lost the 2020 final to Daniil Medvedev, Zverev was reluctant to see the trophy slip out of reach for a second time. The German offered no let up at the start of the second set before racing to a 75-minute triumph.

Zverev, who will now be the second seed at the Nitto ATP Finals, will seek his third crown at the season finale in Turin, which is to be held 10-17 November. 

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